Reply to How do I research the right dog breeds and breeders for our family? Where to start?

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[quote=Anonymous]I won’t crucify you for going to a breeder, I have had full bred dogs.  I also won’t crucify you for going to a rescue, I have mutts and foster dogs on a regular basis.  This is what I will say, you won’t know a dog’s temperament until you have that dog, just like kids.  You don’t know who they really are until you have them.  What I will say is that you should first research breeds based on energy level and the type of dog they are.  Don’t get a high energy or sporting/working dog.  Everyone will be miserable and you will either return the dog for it to be hard to adopt or unadoptable.  I have had these dogs in our rescue where they were full bred but someone changed their mind for whatever reason and basically screwed the dog.  Full bred dogs are great but you should join a club for that dog nearby and attend their events.  Get to know the breeders because some you absolutely DO NOT want a dog from.  You should be able to meet the dog in person while it’s under their care (before 8 weeks). Take the time to do this.  After all, this is a family member for many years to come.  Another route is rescue.  You can get puppies or young to old dogs.  This is great because many times you really can understand what personality you are getting based on what the dog’s foster family says.  I had a litter once where one family was stuck on one dog but I could tell based on what they told me that this curious, high energy pup wasn’t for them as new dog owners.  I suggested the pup’s brother and now a few years in, they love this dog so much and comment on how chill he is, saying he’s perfect for them.  The other dog’s brother ended up going to another great family on a lot of land with several young boys that romp and play with him all the time outdoors.  What I am saying is that these are both dogs from the same litter but with different personalities.  Rescue groups often take your lifestyle into account to help make a good match.  After all, no one wants returns.  It’s awful for everyone.  Also, try and visit a rescue dog at the foster house.  Every dog that I have ever taken to an adoption event is stressed.  They are never themselves.  Get videos of the dog in different situations and you can see their personalities more.  By the way, a rescue dog NEVER forgets it’s been saved.  They will NEVER forget who saved them and I can’t even put into words the love they will give you over that.  Lastly, keep in mind that if you have an anxious or nervous child, even if you don’t get an anxious dog, that dog may develop some of those qualities.  Dogs tend to pick up on some traits from their families.  Get a good trainer (this is a whole other discussion) and have them help you over the first 2 months for a good start.  Dogs will always try and seek their advantage in life, don’t ever feel sorry for them and give them everything.  They love to earn things (food, treats, toys, etc).  Best of luck to you in your search.  There is a dog for your family, just take the time to think about what you need versus what you want.  Weather you shop or adopt, thank you for bringing a dog into your family.  The only wrong way to get a dog is based on looks instead of traits or personalities.  It’s not by going to a breeder or rescue.  Do whichever suits your family best.  But I will end by saying I have found bliss in the rescue world while still appreciating the show/working dogs in the breeding world.  Rescues are an amazing breed.😁[/quote]

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